We are excited that you are interested in attending Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan and want to make sure your admission process goes as smoothly as possible. Let us help!
For more than 50 years, Emmanuel has been preparing men and women for effective ministry.
Our community is unrivaled, with lifelong relationships forged in the classroom and by doing life together in the Emmanuel Village.
Our graduates work in a variety of ministries including preaching, church planting, education, campus ministry, chaplaincy, and missions.
Admission Requirements
On the basis of guidelines issued by The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, admission to Emmanuel Christian Seminary is granted on the basis of the following criteria:
MASTERS PROGRAMS
- A baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher learning accredited by a US agency recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the demonstrated educational equivalent of a North American baccalaureate degree
- Evidence of academic, personal, and spiritual preparation that demonstrate potential for making a contribution to church and society
- Evidence of capability for continued graduate-level studies, having developed to a satisfactory degree the ability to think independently, to communicate effectively, and to research adequately, as indicated in writing up a critical incident from ministry experience.
- A broad undergraduate education with a strong general education core is desirable
DOCTORAL PROGRAM
- An earned Master of Divinity or its equivalent from an institution accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. (Applicants who hold another type of master’s degree will be assessed for competencies based on ATS criteria.)
- Evidence of academic, personal, and spiritual preparation that demonstrate potential for making a contribution to church and society.
- Evidence of capability of graduate-level studies, having developed to a satisfactory degree the ability to think independently, to communicate effectively, and to research adequately.
- A broad undergraduate education with a strong general education core is desirable.
Emmanuel Christian Seminary welcomes qualified students regardless of age, race, sex, disability, color, or national or ethnic origin. Admission is open to qualified students from any church body or theological tradition.
The Admissions Committee will determine any deficiencies and will specify how they are to be made up. Students with such deficiencies may be admitted provisionally, but restricted as to the number of Emmanuel courses they may take until the requirements are met. No student can apply for degree candidacy while on provisional admittance status.
Under exceptional circumstances, a student without a baccalaureate degree may be admitted to the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Religion, or Master of Arts in Christian Ministries program on a probationary status. The rare exception to this policy will be based upon the normal considerations for admission, plus age, years of experience, and history of excellence in ministry. The Academic Dean, with the assistance of the Admissions Committee, will review any exceptions. History of excellence in ministry is assessed on the basis of a letter of recommendation from an official representative of the applicant’s church, references from 3 additional persons (5 total references) acquainted with the applicant’s ministry, and an essay on the applicant’s goals for graduate studies written by the applicant and demonstrating a sound rationale for the exception. The letter of recommendation, references, and essay must be submitted to the Dean’s office along with the application to the program. Once a provisionally-accepted student has successfully completed 18 credit hours in the appropriate program with a 3.0 or better, the probationary status will be removed.
MDiv equivalency will be determined in reference to Emmanuel’s MDiv program guidelines. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis by the Doctor of Ministry Admissions Committee.
Admission into the MACM and DMin programs currently is unavailable to F-1 students. Canadian citizens may petition for an exception. Learn more »
Get ready to change lives
Steps to Apply
- APPLICATION: Complete and submit your official application, including the essay (or critical incident statement for DMin), and personal conduct statement. Apply Online Now »
- APP FEE: Submit a non-refundable application fee of $30. Pay Online at the end of the online application.
- TRANSCRIPT: Arrange to have an official transcript sent from each graduate and/or undergraduate institution you have attended by one of the following methods:
Mail to: Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan
Office of Admissions
P.O. Box 550, Milligan, TN 37682
Electronic transcript emailed: ecs@milligan.edu - TWO REFERENCES: Request a reference from two different people, preferably a former college professor, current minister, employer or supervisor. You will request references from within the online application.
- INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: Click here for additional requirements »
An application should be received no later than 30 days before the beginning of the semester for which the applicant wishes to enroll.
For further information or to schedule a campus visit, please contact the Office of Admissions, by mail: PO Box 550, Milligan, TN 37682; phone: 423.461.1535 or 800.933.3771; or email: ECS@milligan.edu. Administrative offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST).
Forms & Publications
| Admission Forms | ||
| Online Application | Online | |
| Recommendation Form (references) | Online | |
| Application for Readmission | Online | |
| Enrollment Deposit Payment | Online | |
| Certificate of Financial Responsibility | Download a PDF | |
| Immunization Form | Download a PDF |
| Publications | ||
| Student Handbook | Download a PDF | |
| International Student Handbook | Download a PDF |